Also in attendance were the following: John Gilk, Sam Krammer, Carol Moorman, Herman Lensing, Steve McDonald, and John Beste

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Annual Area Fire Service Meeting

At 7:30 P.M. the Annual Meeting Area Fire Service was called to order. In attendance were the following:

City of Freeport

  • Matt Worms
  • Dave Humbert
  • Ken Goebel
  • Joe Hennen
  • Tim Hennen

City of St. Anthony

  • Not present

City of St. Rosa

  • John Stoermann

Krain Township

  • Don Tembreull

Millwood Township

  • Adolph Wensmann
  • Steve Notch

Oak Township

  • Bob Timp
  • Bob Roelike

St. Martin Township

  • Jerry Schaefer

Albany Township

  • Paul Luethmers

Agenda

Tim Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 7-0.

Annual Area Fire Service Meeting

Review of the Minutes

Albany Township moved and Krain Township seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for the June 1, 2005 Annual Area Fire Service Special Meeting. Discussion offered. Motion carried 7-0.

2005 Audit Presentation

Steve McDonald, independent auditor from Abdo, Eick & Meyers was present to deliver the audited financial statements of the City of Freeport (which includes the funds of the Area Fire Service). McDonald reported that no adjustments were made in the audit process, which is unusual for a small city, and there were minimal issues through the audit process. He noted that considering the size of our city, the results were as good as could be obtained, that the City's condition was fiscally sound, and no material weaknesses were found. As reported in most cities of our size, he did note and encouraged a greater segregation of duties, but recognized the difficulty of fulfilling the request with limited resources.

He further reported and referenced in the management letter that the debt service balances are satisfactory to pay off the City's bonds. He also noted that the water and sewer funds were in good condition and noted the importance to maintain a healthy fund balance for future projects and potential infrastructure concerns. He was pleased to see the City's actions to eliminate old, completed projects (funds), which was done last year.

Approval of the audited financial statements was tabled to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting for further review and questions.

2007 Budget

Steve Notch, Freeport Fire and Rescue distributed a handout outlining the fire and rescue calls in the previous budgetary year. There was a brief review of the fees collected.

Bob Roelike, Oak Township discussed the possibility of reduced fire insurance premiums regarding to be allocated to the Area Fire Service. Extensive discussion followed which included the logistics in informing citizens of this option and the liability assumed by the Area Fire Service for advising this change. No action was taken.

Gilk and Hetland gave a detailed account of the proposed 2007 Area Fire Service budget. Gilk noted the need for additional trainings and classes for fire fighters in the next two years. He also noted a slight increase for the officers. Bob Timp, Oak Township asked about a status report regarding the conversion over to a 800 mHz radio system. Gilk responded that the system was not budgeted due to the fact that Stearns County officials had given the understanding to Freeport, and many other Greater Stearns County cities, that grants would mutually be obtained. Gilk further noted that when the grant monies fell through, County officials again made statements that monies would be available for radio funding. John Stoermann, City of St. Rosa stated that if the Stearns County Commissioners want the system, they should pay for it. No action was taken.

Further discussion on the Area Fire Service's fees occurred. St. Martin moved and Albany Township seconded a motion to maintain the current fee schedule which excludes billing for rescue calls. Discussion offered. Motion carried unanimously.

Bob Roelike, Oak Township asked if the sinking fund allowances were enough to meet the future needs of the fire and rescue service. Gilk responded that he felt enough money in the fund. Discussion followed on the purpose and explanation of the existence of sinking funds, of capital improvement planning. St. Martin questioned whether there was too much money allocated on training funds. Gilk responded that the trainings were not by choice, but mandatory that that many of the fire fighters' trainings were coming due in the next two years.

St. Rosa moved and Albany Township seconded a motion to approve the balanced 2007 Area Fire Service budget in the amount of $100,552.55. Discussion offered. Motion carried unanimously.

Fire Service Old Business

None was brought forward.

Fire Service New Business

No further business was discussed.

Adjournment – Area Fire Service Annual Meeting

Millwood moved and St. Martin Township seconded a motion to adjourn the Freeport Area Fire Service meeting at 9:27 P.M.. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business

Open Public Forum

No one approached Council.

Old Business

Maintenance Building Status Report

Tim Hennen reported that two walls of steel were erected, the offices were built, and that the overhead doors should be installed on Tuesday, February 28.

Consent Agenda

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the following: Claims in the amount of $7668.26, payroll in the amount of $5736.59, Resolution 2006-004 – Federal Trails Grant Application, setting March 8, 2006 for a hearing for the Consideration of a Trailhead Facility Grant, and setting March 8, 2006 for a hearing to request for lot split on Block 1, Lot 2 at 107and 109 9th St SE. Discussion was offered. Motion carried 5-0.

City Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

Hetland provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.

Hetland described the proposed trailhead grant process. He also reminded Council that the Audit must be approved at the next meeting and encouraged Council Members to contact Steve McDonald or himself if they had any questions.

Worms mentioned that there was a previous statement made in the minutes regarding the electrical line relocation was to occur by the end of the road project from the June 1, 2005 minutes. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to remove the statement from the minutes. Discussion included whether the motion was necessary based on other language in the minutes. Hetland further stated that the motion was in order according to Robert's Rules of Order. Motion carried 4-1.

Worms moved and Humbert seconded to rescind the motion to go the easterly route previously approved by City Council. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland also noted that there would be a staff meeting the following day regarding the City's water tower needs and Council was welcome to attend the research meeting with a consultant.

At 9:49 P.M. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0.